Actor and co-owner of Kings XI Punjab Preity Zinta registered a case of molestation late on Thursday night against former boyfriend and industrialist Ness Wadia, who denied the allegation as "false and baseless".

In her statement to the Maharashtra Police, Zinta said the incident happened during the Indian Premier League (IPL) qualifier for the final between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on May 30.

The 39-year-old actor alleged that Wadia not only outraged her modesty but also abused and threatened her. She added that during the match, Wadia came up to her, grabbed her by the hand and started using abusive words in front of other spectators.

Wadia, another co-owner of the Punjab team, said in a statement, "I am shocked at the complaint and the allegations made against me are totally false and baseless."
With the issue snowballing into a major controversy and hogging the headlines, Zinta too issued a statement on Saturday, saying that it was a difficult time for her and that her intention was not to hurt anyone. She also reportedly requested the media to respect her privacy.

Zinta and Wadia, 44, parted ways after a five-year relationship in 2009, but continued as business partners and co-owners of Kings XI Punjab. They did not cite any specific reason for the break-up.

A case under sections 354, 504 and 506 (assault on a woman, intentional insult and criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code was registered.

An investigating officer said police had started calling witnesses over the issue.

Mumbai Police commissioner Rakesh Maria said an "offence has been registered".